BILLERICAY Town have released seven players as Glenn Tamplin wields the axe ahead of a Ryman Premier League title tilt next season.

The Billericay Town manager has let go of defender Danny Fitzsimons, midfielders Kreshnic Krasniqi, Mekhi McLeod, Matt Johnson, Lewis Taaffe and strikers Luke Moore and Chris Assombalonga.

Tamplin says he has already agreed deals to add five new faces to his squad, with all playing in the National League or higher.

And he said, while releasing the players was difficult, he was hugely excited at the talent he would have at his disposal next term – after Town finished eighth in the standings this year.

“They are all very good players in their own right,” said Tamplin. “Matt Johnson was the hardest player to release but it was a case of looking at what I could get in in that area.

“Last year the team was not consistent enough. We need that if we are to win league titles. And I have promised we will win the league next season.

“I told them we must be consistent against Enfield. We were three points off the play-offs at that stage and we blew our chance.

“The players had warnings and I had to follow that up after we didn’t reach the top five. If we hadn’t suffered defeats at the likes of Grays Athletic and Hendon then we would have made the play-offs.

“I had players that are 9/10 one week and 3/10 the next and I need consistency every week.

“For instance, there are players available from Lincoln City and other clubs that are proven to be consistent.

“Another plus is I have managed to reduce the wage bill. I have lost seven, brought in five and renegotiated some deals.”

Tamplin added he would definitely be the manager next season, with Harry Wheeler sharing the role of boss.

One more coach will join the management team in the weeks to come, and Tamplin said he is satisfied with how the club’s progression is going in the first week of the off-season.

“I am satisfied with how we finished in the league and the changes we are making.

“We will have 3,000 fans here soon and the interest in the club is so great.

“Exciting times lay ahead.”

>Town have also announced their season ticket prices for the 2017/18 season.

Adult tickets cost £200 (£180), over 65s and students £143 (£129), under-18s £59 (£38) and under-12s £38 (£25).

Anyone that purchases a season ticket before the end of May will pay the prices in brackets.

Visit billericaytownfc.co.uk to fill out an application form.